Fiji Airways has grounded its two Boeing 737 Max 8 planes.

In line with the stance taken by aviation regulators in our region, and an increasing number of operators worldwide, Fiji Airways, together with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, has taken the decision to temporarily ground its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft until more information is known about the cause of the Ethiopian Airlines accident.

In a joint statement, Fiji Airways together with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, say that they continue to have full confidence in the airworthiness of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, and in the skilled and experienced Fiji Airways pilots and engineers who operate them.

Bula, In line with this stance taken by aviation regulators in our region, and an increasing number of operators worldwide, FJ, together with CAAF, has taken the decision to temporarily ground our fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. https://t.co/euuGl6DeXP

— Fiji Airways (@FijiAirways) March 13, 2019

They say since Fiji Airways commenced operating the Boeing 737 MAX in December 2018, the aircraft has proven to be reliable and efficient and continuous flight data monitoring has not identified any issues that would give rise to a cause for concern.

However, out of deference to the position taken by regulators in our region, and in response to the concerns expressed by the general public, both Fiji Airways and the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji have agreed that the most appropriate course is to impose this temporary grounding.